The "longitude problem" was the thorniest dilemma of the eighteenth century. Lacking the ability to measure longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been literally lost at sea.
At the heart of Dava Sobel's fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation and horology stands the figure of John Harrison, self-taught Yorkshire clockmaker, and his forty-year obsession with building the perfect timekeeper. Battling against the establishment, Harrison stood alone in pursuit of his solution and the £20,000 reward offered by Parliament.
At the heart of Dava Sobel's fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation and horology stands the figure of John Harrison, self-taught Yorkshire clockmaker, and his forty-year obsession with building the perfect timekeeper. Battling against the establishment, Harrison stood alone in pursuit of his solution and the £20,000 reward offered by Parliament.
A really great read.
ReplyDeleteThe miniseries (~ year 2000 - starring Jeremy Irons) also quite good.
ReplyDeleteNOVA had a great episode on this topic as well: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/longitude/
ReplyDeleteI love that book!
ReplyDeleteI've had my own copy for years. Also a sextant and all of those difficult books, and a digital watch that resets every morning at oh-dark-thirty.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent read. Harrison's H4 can be seen in the museum in Greenwich, London. A beautiful piece of work, well worth a visit if you're ever in the vicinity. https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/rmgc-object-79142
ReplyDeleteAlso interesting to see the Harrison H1, H2 and H3 that preceded the H4. very different timepieces.
DeleteI have three different tv series on longitude, they're all good.
ReplyDeleteThere’s a really good children’s book on this general topic of navigation in the life of Nathaniel Bowditch:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.com/Carry-Mr-Bowditch-Jean-Latham/dp/0618250743/
Read the book long ago also
ReplyDeleteApparently, a lot of us have read this book.
ReplyDeleteThe mini series was a fantastic tale of determination, persistence, and belief in one’s own abilities in the face of adversity both real and unnecessarily contrived. It should be required viewing for all young people for its lessons in never, ever quitting!
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